Sharing a Printer - Comments

Bob another simple, easy to read tutorial. I wish I had read this article when trying to configure my network. After various calls to tech support, I found out on my own it was my desktop's firewall preventing other computers from printing.

Anyone who follows this if you're having trouble printing from another computer on the network, disable the firewall on the computer that the printer is physically connected to and try again.

Hello. Some companies are making hub-sized print server boxes that connect to your printer and your network. This allows you to print over the network without having to turn on a server computer. Some laser printers can even be outfitted with a card that does the same thing. Then you just plug the network cable into the back of the printer.

EDITOR'S NOTE: That's another alternative, but not sure what you mean by "turn on a server computer". All the PCs on my network are peers. I could attach the printer to any one of them and share it.

I just bought a router and print server combo. It's one of the best investments I've made in a long time. Forgetting to turn on and login to the computer that printer was physically connected to always caused a hassle in my house. Especially with me using Linux which no one else knows how to use.

May I use a manual switch to switch between two printers on my one computer? Can the printers still be shared on the network. I have plugged everything in to the manual switch but it doesn't work. The printers: HP Deskjet 697C and HP Laserjet 1320 both work when I connect directly to my computer.

I have been switching the cable back and forth when I need to print the occasional color document. When I do switch to the Deskjet though it doesn't work until I plug in the Deskjet and restart my computer, which is a major pain. I am using the same cable for both printers.

EDITOR'S NOTE: It seems to be a (silly) limitation of that printer. Does it work without a restart in the opposite configuration?

· Would like to use a switch to share a parallel (IEEE-1284) printer with two computers. One computer has a parallel port and USB ports and runs WinMe; second computer has only USB ports and runs WinXPsp2.

· Was thinking I could install a parallel-to-USB adapter cable to "convert" the printer to USB, then use a USB switch to connect to the computers.

· Will this cause problems with the WinMe computer, to which the printer was originally connected through its parallel (LPT1) port? Will I have to "re-port" the printer on the WinMe computer and, if so, how?

EDITOR'S NOTE: A computer with no parallel port? I'd sooner add a parallel port card. But if you go with the Parallel to USB, you may have to re-install the printer software.

I have Brother MFC4800 multifunctional printer that comes with both USB and Pararelle ports. I have two PCs now (one old and one new) close to the printer. The old pc is currently connected to the printer's parallel port. Please advise if the new can also be connected to the USB port of the same printer?? Thanks!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sounds like it should work... unless you print from both at once!

Hello Bob, thank you very much for the information on sharing a printer for multiple computers. So easy to follow and saved me a lot of money. Following your instructions helped me in setting up all four computers at home.

Hi Bob !.. I have a printer attached to my desktop (runs XP).The laptop (runs Vista) that i have uses the router for internet. I want to be able to print documents from laptop.I have tried enabling my desktop printer to "shared mode" and i attempted to find the printer on my laptop...No luck...Not sure what am i missing..I even installed the driver in my laptop..Still no help I have looked through many webpages and some talk too technical for me to trouble shoot the problem.. Can you help?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Are both computers using the same Workgroup name?

Hi bob, i have a epson R300 photo printer .. which the photo colour ink is not cheap ... is there a way to set it so only network user's can print in black and white ?? only ? as i do not see this in the share settings tab ?

EDITOR'S NOTE: I don't think so... you could try whacking people with a stick AFTER they print in color.

Bob: your guide was great, and I now have my 2nd PC running Vista Home able to print over wireless Network on printer attached to my main PC running Vista Business. BUT, this only works when I am logged onto the 2nd PC running vista home: other users can't see the Networked printer. I would appreciate your advice please on how I can make this fantastic printer sharing work for all the family? We'll buy you a snickers, we promise!

EDITOR'S NOTE: That would depend on the configuration of the other users. What platform are they using? Do they have the correct workgroup name? Can they connect to other resources on the local network?